MMP Asset Management Policy Framework

The Challenge

Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP) manages a sensitive and complex portfolio of cemetery and crematoria assets across Greater Sydney. As part of its 10-year strategic plan, MMP sought to strengthen how these assets are maintained, renewed, and repurposed, ensuring alignment with its core purpose and evolving responsibilities. The organisation faced growing public expectations around quality, access, and cultural inclusion, while grappling with ageing infrastructure, fragmented governance, and inconsistent documentation. Without a unified policy framework, MMP lacked the tools to manage risk effectively or plan for long-term asset sustainability. Regulatory scrutiny was increasing, and there was a clear need to demonstrate responsible stewardship of public land.

The Action

Polis Partners was engaged to co-develop a formal Asset Management Policy Framework tailored to MMP’s needs. The work involved:

• defining asset management objectives aligned to strategic pillars
• identifying asset classes and related obligations (e.g. heritage, safety, operations)
• clarifying roles, responsibilities, and decision rights
• embedding risk management and lifecycle planning
• drafting policy principles and priority actions for staged implementation.

The framework was designed to support both governance oversight and day-to-day operational decision-making, from routine maintenance to long-term capital planning.

The Results

The Asset Management Policy Framework was formally endorsed by MMP’s executive and is now a cornerstone of internal governance. It has improved accountability and consistency across teams, strengthened external reporting, and supported stakeholder engagement. The framework also enabled MMP to integrate asset management into broader strategic and land use planning, particularly at constrained sites nearing capacity. The work continues to support MMP’s transformation as a trusted steward of public memorial infrastructure.